Mauritanian Islamist opposition groups, under the slogan «The people are suffering», plan a public meeting next Saturday in Nouakchott to protest rising food prices, local media report. Their newly formed coalition, the National Rally for Reform and Development (TAWASOL), issued a press release condemning the recent surge in prices of locally grown vegetables, particularly since the January 1st, 2024 implementation of a new tax on vegetables imported from Morocco. The Mauritanian government justifies this decision as necessary to «protect local production». Meanwhile, the Mauritanian Consumer Protection Forum threatens to organize sit-ins to protest the price increases. Last week, government spokesperson and Minister of Oil and Mines, Nani Ould Chrougha, stated that Mauritania «will not need to import vegetables during the next Ramadan season». He expressed confidence in the ability of domestic production to meet national demand. Mauritania will hold presidential elections next June, and this additional tax on Moroccan produce, coupled with existing food inflation, could become a key campaign issue.
